The company demonstrated the feasibility of a simple, lightweight, high-efficiency power conditioning module. The module is versatile and can be used as a building block for a wide variety of applications. Furthermore, in many cases, use of the module can eliminate heavy and expensive low-frequency transformers and other inductive system components. In particular, this new module appears well-suited as a dc-to-400 Hz invertor.The Phase I effort involved experimental evaluations of several classes of high-frequency-switched dc-to-ac inverters. A resonant approach, using a high-frequency link, was identified as the most promising method for advanced high-power, high-switching- frequency applications. Because these resonant circuits operate without switching losses, very high switching frequencies (to the mega-Hertz range) without electromagnetic interference problems are possible. This, in turn, allows the design of very light and compact inverters and converters. The control of resonant invertor circuits is difficult and presents an unresolved problem. However, its advantages make the resonant approach a promising candidate for developing a dc-to-ac invertor.Potential Commercial Application:Applications are expected in ac and dc drives, space power systems, uninterruptible power supplies, robots, space shuttle systems, surveillance equipment, autopilots, appliances, business equipment, environmental systems, flight test equipment, aircraft, vans and jeeps, security systems, telemetry, underwater systems, X-ray systems, lasers, laboratory equipment, radars, and hospitals.STATUS: Phase I Only
